Memory control device



H. L. DAWSON MEMORY CONTROL DEVICE Nov. 2, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 14, 1962 UDUUDUDUU INVENTOR.

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ATTORNEYS Nov. 2, 1965 L. DAWSON 3,215,999

MEMORY CONTROL DEVICE Filed March 14, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 United States Patent Filed Mar. 14, 1962, Ser. No. 179,670 11 Claims. (Cl. 340309.4)

This invention relates to memory control devices and particularly to memory control devices for automatically actuating or initiating a signal at a remote place at predetermined and selected time intervals.

This invention is directed to the problem of producing or energizing a device at selective time intervals. Such memory control devices are particularly desirable in in stallations such as hotels and hospitals for selectively sig' naling in various rooms at predetermined times.

It is an object of the invention to provide a memory control device which will energize an electrical device at a remote place in accordance With a preselected setting; which is relatively simple to make, maintain, and operate; which utilizes a minimum number of parts; and which is capable of multiple uses.

Basically the memory control device comprises a plurality of circuits defined by conductive strips on a panel and a selective device for conditioning each circuit, for example, in the form of a clock having a movable contact which successively engages the strips. A plurality of mechanical memory modules are selectively associated with the conductive strips. Each module has a movable electrical contact so that it may selectively contact one of the conductive strips. In this manner when the conductive strip is conditioned and if the movable electrical contact of a memory module is engaged with the conductive strip a circuit is completed to the remotely positioned electrical device. Further in accordance with the invention, the memory module comprises means for moving the contact member out of engagement with the strip after the device has been energized.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a memory control device embodying the invention.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scale taken along the line 22 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to FIG. 2 showing the parts in different position.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 5--5 of FIG. 4.

Referring to FIG. 1, the memory control apparatus embodying the invention comprises a control panel defined by a housing which includes a front wall 11 and a rear wall or circuit board 12 (FIG. 2). A clock 13 is mounted in the front panel 11. A plurality of modules form the front wall 11 and have indicating and manipulating tabs 15. The tabs 15 are associated with scales 16 on the front of the modules so that the tabs can be moved up and down and adjustably positioned relative to the scales 16, as presently described. Each tab 15 forms a part of a mechanical module 17.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the rear panel 12 or circuit board is provided with a plurality of vertically spaced horizontally extending electrical conductive strips 18. Strips18 are electrically connected by leads 19 to a plurality of circumferentially spaced electrical contacts 20. An electrical contact ring 21 is provided within the circumferentially spaced contacts 20. One lead of the secondary 22 of a transformer 23 is connected to the contact ring 21. i The clock 13 includes a movable feeler or electrical contact 24 which is adapted to successively contact the contacts as the clock operates and a flexible contact ice 25 engaging the contact ring 21. Thus as the clock operates it selectively conditions a circuit through the secondary of the transformer with each of the strips 18.

Two rows of electrical contacts 26, 27 are provided on the circuit board 12 beneath the strips 18, one pair of contacts 26, 27 being provided for each module 17. Contacts 26 are connected in series with the other lead of the secondary 22 of transformer 23. Each pair of contacts 26, 27 is connected by wires 28, 29 to a remote signal device such as the coil 30, which may be positioned for example, in a room. A short circuit button 31 is provided across each coil 30 so that the coil can be de-energized manually at the remote position after it has been energized.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each mechanical memory module 17 comprises a rectangular frame including a top section 32, front section 33, bottom section 34, and back section 35. A rod 36 extends vertically between the top section 32 and bottom section 34, and the traveler 37 is vertically movable on the rod 36. Previously mentioned tabs 15 form a part of the traveler 37. The traveler 37 includes a rearwardly extending arm 38 which supports a contact 39 that has a rearwardly extending resilient finger 40 adapted to selectively engage one of the conductive strips 18 and a forwardly extending feeler 41 which is maintained in continuous contact with a conductive band 42 on the rear of rear section 35 Conductive strap 42 is electrically connected in series with the coil of a solenoid 43 fixed on the lower end of the frame and a resilient electrical contact 44 mounted on the bottom section 34 and insulated from the section by an insulator 45. The resilient contact 44 engages a contact 27 (FIG. 4).

Ratchet means are provided for selectively holding the traveler 37 and in turn the contact 40 in adjusted vertical position and comprises a rack 46 that is hinged for swing ing movement relative to the frame by links 47 which are pivoted to brackets 48 fixed on the inner wall of the rear section 35. Rack 46 includes teeth 49 that are engaged by a resilient detent 50 on the traveler 37 The rack 46 is held in upward position in engagement with the detent 50 by latch 51 pivoted to the lower end of the latch and having a laterally extending flange 52 adapted to engage the lip 53 mounted on the inner wall of the rear section 35 adjacent the solenoid 43. A light coil spring 54 extending between the bracket 53 and the latch 52 resiliently urges the latch downwardly.

The plunger 55 of solenoid 43 is so arranged that, when the solenoid 43 is energized, the plunger 55 moves upwardly and disengages the latch 52 from the lip 53 permitting the rack 46 to swing downwardly under the action of gravity and away from the spring detent 50. The traveler 37 then moves downwardly by gravity to the bottom of the frame. A Weight 56 on the traveler 37 insures the positive downward movement of the traveler along the rod 36. If the modules are used horizontally, springs are provided to return rack 46 and traveler 37 When the tab 15 is again engaged manually to elevate the traveler 37, a pawl 57 pivoted to the traveler and abutting against a flange 58 on the traveler 67 engages a pin 59 on the rack 46 to swing the rack 46 upwardly permitting the latch 52 to become re-engaged.

The frame of each memory module 17 is attached to front flanges 14 by screws 60 extending through tabs 60a and is aligned with the rear panel 12 by a pin 61 projecting from the top section 32 into an opening 62 in the rear panel 12. A trim strip 63 overlies the screws 61.

In operation, when used for example to signal various rooms of the hotel or hospital, the memory control system is arranged so that a memory module is provided for each room and one of the signal devices such as a coil 30-of a buzzer or light is positioned in each room. In order to signal each room at a predetermined time, for example to wake the person occupying the room or to signal that medicine is to be, taken, the tab of the corresponding module 17 is moved to bring it in alignment with the proper setting on the scale 16. This causes the contact feeler 400f that module 17 to engage a particular conductive strip 18-. As the clock operates, the contact 24 of the clock completes a circuit to that particular conductive strip 18 from the secondary of the transformer to the corresponding coil 31) of the signal device in the room. This signals the person occupying the room. The person then depresses the button 31 which shorts the coil. 30 de-energizing the coil. The resistance of the coil 30 is several times that of the coil of the solenoid 46 so that normally when the coil 30 is energized the coil of the solenoid 43 remains de-energized. However, when the button 31 is depressed shorting the coil 30; sufficient current passes through the coil of the solenoid 43 to energize the solenoid 43 casing the plunger 55- to move upwardly and disengage the latch 52. This, in turn, permits the rack 46 to swing downwardly out of engagement with detent 50 so that the traveler 37' moves downwardly under the action of gravity to the lowermost position in the frame. In this position, it is ready for resetting to produce a signal at a different time.

Each of the modules is correspondingly adjusted to provide a signal to the remote location in accordance with its respective setting. The modules may all be set at the same or different settings.

It' can thus be seen that there has been provided a memory control system which can be used in order to selectively provide a circuit to an electrical device. The system utilizes a simple mechanical memory module that has a relatively small number of parts and is simple to make and operate.

I claim:

'1. In a memory control device, the combination comprising a panel having a plurality ofconductive strips thereon,

a plurality of pairs of contacts on said panel,

means for selectively completinga circuit between one of said strips and one contact of each said pair of contacts,

a plurality of memory modules associated with said panel,

one module being provided for each said pair of contacts,

each said memory module comprising a frame,

a traveler,

means, for guiding said traveler for movement vertically in said frame,

said traveler carrying afirst contact member selectively engaging one of said conductive strips and a second contact member,

a conductive band extending vertically on said frame continuously contacted by said second contact memher on said traveler,

a third contact member on said frame contacting the other contact of its respective pair of contacts on said panel,

said band and said third contact being electrically connected in series,

ratchet means for mechanically holding said traveler in vertically adjusted position,

said ratchet means comprising a rack,

links mounting said rack for vertical swinging movement on said frame,

Said traveler having a yieldable detent arm engaging the teeth of said rack,

and a latch for holding said rack in engagement with said yieldabl'e detent member.

2. The combination set forth in claim 1 including solenoid means electrically connected in series with said strip and said third contact member and having a plunger adapted to be projected into contact with the latch for disengaging said latch.

3. The combination set forth in claim 1 including a pawl pivoted to said traveler and selectively engaging said rack when said traveler is elevate-d from its lowermost position .to engage the rack and move the rack into engagement with the yieldable detent arm and permit the latch to engage the rack.

4. In a memory control device, the combination comprising a panel having a plurality of conductive strips thereon,

a pluarlity of pairs of contacts on said panel,

means for selectively completing a circuit between one of said strips and one contact of each. of said pairs 'of contacts,

a plurality of memory modules associated with said panel,

one module being provided for each said pair of com tacts,

each said module having a movable contact member selectively engaging one of said conductive strips,

each said module having a fixed contact member. en-

gaging the other contact of its respective pair of contacts,

a plurality of electrical devices positoned at remote stations,

each said electrical device being electrically connected across a pair of contacts on said panel such that when said selective means completes a circuit between one of the strips and one contact of each of said pairs of contacts, an electrical device is energized if the movable contact member of a corresponding module is in contact with said strip to which said electrical circuit is completed,

and releasable ratchet means for holding said movable contact member in selectively engaging position,

said ratchet means comprising a movable rack having teeth thereon engaging said movable cont-act member,

and means for releasing said ratchet means. permitting said movable rack to move out of engagement with said movable contact member.

5. In a memory control device,

a memory module having a movable contact member adapted to selectively engage one of a plurality of conductive strips on a panel,

said module having a fixed contact adapted to be selectively engaged with one of a series of pairs. of contacts on a panel,

a contact member vertically movable on said module for selectively engaging a conductive strip on a panel,

releasable means for holding said contact member in vertically adjusted position,

said releasable means comprising amovable rack movable into and out of engagement with said movable contact member,

a latch for holding said rack in engagement with said movable contact member,

and solenoid means operable when energized to disengage said latch permitting said movable rack to move out of engagement with said contact. member.

6. In a memory control device,

a memory module comprising a frame,

a. traveler,

means for guiding said traveler for movement vertically in said frame,

said traveler carrying a first contact member for selectively contacting a conductive strip on a panel and a second contact member,

a conductive band extending vertically on said frame and continuously contacted by said second contact on said traveler,

a third contact member on said frame for contacting a contact on a panel,

said band and said third contact member being electrically connected in series,

and ratchet means for mechanically holding said traveler in a selectively contacting position comprising a rack,

links mounting said rack for vertical swinging movement on said frame,

said traveler having a yieldable detent arm engaging the teeth of said rack,

and a latch for holding said rack in engagement with said yieldable detent member.

7. The combination set forth in claim 6 including solenoid means electrically connected in series with said conductive band and said third contact member and having a plunger adapted to be projected into contact with said latch for disengaging said latch.

8. The combination set forth in claim 7 including a pawl pivoted to said traveler and selectively engaging said rack when said traveler is elevated from its lowermost position to engage the rack and move the rack into engagement with the yieldable detent arm and permit the latch to engage the rack.

9. In a memory control device,

a memory module comprising a frame,

a traveler,

means for guiding said traveler for movement in said frame,

said traveler carrying a first contact member for selectively contacting a conductive strip on a panel and a second contact member,

a conductive band extending on said frame and continuously contacted by said second contact on said traveler,

a third contact member on said frame for contacting a contact on a panel,

said band and said third contact member being electrically connected in series,

ratchet means for mechanically holding said traveler in selectively engaging position,

and solenoid means electrically connected in series with said band and said third contact member and having a plunger adapted to be projected into contact with said ratchet means for disengaging said ratchet means.

10. In a memory control device, the combination comprising a panel having a plurality of conductive strips thereon,

a plurality of pairs of contacts on said panel,

a source of electrical power,

means for selectively completing a circuit from said source of power between one of said strips and one contact of each of said pairs of contacts,

a plurality of memory modules associated with said panel,

one module being provided for each said pair of contacts,

each said module having a movable contact selectively engaging one of said conductive strips,

each said module having a fixed contact engaging the other contact of its respective pair of contacts,

a plurality of electrical devices positioned at remote stations,

each said electrical device being electrically connected across a pair of said contacts on said panel such that when said selective means completes a circuit between one of the strips and one contact of each of said pairs of contacts, an electrical device is energized if the movable contact of a corresponding module is in contact with said strip to which said electrical circuit is completed,

releasable ratchet means for holding said movable contact in selectively engaging position,

and solenoid means individual to each said ratchet means electrically connected in series with said movable contact of its respective ratchet means,

each said electrical device having a greater resistance than its respective solenoid,

and means at each remote station for shorting the electrical device at that station to tie-energize the electrical device after it has been energized and thereby permit sufficient current to flow to the solenoid to energize the solenoid.

11. In a memory control device, the combination comprising a panel having a plurality of conductive strips thereon,

a plurality of pairs of contacts on said panel,

means for selectively completing a circuit between one of said strips and one contact of each said pair of contacts,

a plurality of memory modules associated with said panel,

one module being provided for each said pair of contacts,

each said memory module comprising a frame,

a traveler,

means for guiding said traveler for movement vertically in said frame,

said traveler carrying a first contact member selectively engaging one of said conductive strips and a second contact member,

a conductive band extending vertically on said frame continuously contacted by said second contact memher on said traveler,

a third contact member on said frame contacting the other contact of its respective pair of contacts on said panel,

said band and said third contact member being electrically connected in series,

ratchet means for mechanically holding said traveler in selectively engaging position,

and solenoid means electrically connected in series with said band and said third contact member and having a plunger adapted to be projected into contact with said ratchet means for disengaging said ratchet means.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,370,059 3/21 Smith 340309.4 1,378,945 5/21 Gilson 200 1,972,!289 9/34 Chauveau 340-166 2,070,779 2/37 Bowen et al. 20036 2,701,283 2/55 Droel ZOO-105.1 3,027,506 3/62 Stenhammar et al. 3,087,146 4/63 Boudouris 340313 X FOREIGN PATENTS 16,308 7/60 England. 85,338 8/21 Austria.

NEIL C. READ, Primary Examiner. 

1. IN A MEMORY CONTROL DEVICE, THE COMBINATION COMPRISING A PANEL HAVING A PLURALITY OF CONDUCTIVE STRIPS THEREON, A PLURALITY OF PAIRS OF CONTACTS ON SAID PANEL, MEANS FOR SELECTIVELY COMPLETING A CIRCUIT BETWEEN ONE OF SAID STRIPS AND ONE CONTACT OF EACH SAID PAIR OF CONTACTS, A PLURALITY OF MEMORY MODULES ASSOCIATED WITH SAID PANLE, ONE MODULE BEING PROVIDED FOR EACH SAID PAIR OF CONTACTS, EACH SAID MEMORY MODULE COMPRISING A FRAME, A TRAVELER, MEANS FOR GUIDING SAID TRAVELER FOR MOVEMENT VERTICALLY IN SAID FRAME, SAID TRAVELER CARRYING A FIRST CONTACT MEMBER SELECTIVELY ENGAGING ONE OF SAID CONDUCTIVE STRIPS AND A SECOND CONTACT MEMBER, A CONDUCTIVE BAND EXTENDING VERTIXALLY ON SAID FRAME CONTINUOUSLY CONTACTED BY SAID SECOND CONTACT MEMBER ON SAID TRAVELER, A THIRD CONTACT MEMBER ON SAID FRAME CONTACTING THE OTHER CONTACT OF ITS RESPECTIVE PAIR OF CONTACT ON SAID PANEL, SAID BANMD AND SAID THIRD CONTACT BEING ELECTRICALLY CONNECTED, IN SERIES, 